To the grave
The incessant marching continues
In the grand parade the audience pile in one by one, all watching what is but a mirror
The General with a resolute calm leads his colonels into the fray, they bear his palls as they remain steps ahead of their Lieutenants who follow the procession
The Majors hold the privates who weep, knowing soon they may be promoted, and the enlisted stay far away from the exercise, still too green, not yet hazed into the brotherhood
It is in this display a man has chance to join the brotherhood
He watches the quiet never ending promotion of life, as some take their responsibility with grace and others as boys
It is the duty of the young man, our "Private", to turn and face the inevitable, knowing what is to come
Watching the pallbearers pass he who knows sees soon himself
Watching the Colonels frown knowing his youthful smile shall soon turn to such
And when giving the general his final salute, knowing it is not just to that fallen hero, but to each in his own time